Broad beans are super easy to grow - definitely a good one for beginner gardeners! If you think you don't like broad beans but have only ever eaten them from the supermarket, it's worth giving homegrown ones a try as the taste is far superior. Broad beans have the added benefit of adding nitrogen to the soil, so even if you don't want to eat them, you can grow them and when they begin to flower, chop them up and dig them back into the soil to give other plants a boost.

When to sow: March - June How to sow: Direct Germination: 10 - 14 daysCompanion plants: Carrots, lettuce, marigolds, celery, peas, potatoes, parsnip, cabbage, parsley Not compatible with: Garlic, onions Other tips: Broad beans will most likely need support as they grow. An easy way to do this is to plant them in a row with poles at either end, and run pieces of string on either side of them.